Special Service and Features
Rahul Gandhi is disconnected from reality, has no idea about farmers from his constituency: V Muraleedharan
Agri reforms will change the face of Indian Agriculture & bring honour & dignity to farmers.
Agri Laws shifts the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor.
Why is Left opposed to the successful agriculture marketing model that is already prevalent in Kerala?
Pvt Investment in agriculture brings in technology, reforms inspire gives wings to the aspirations of young farmers.
The Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V Muraleedharan today called out the ‘protest stunts’ pulled out by the Congress on the farming reforms of Narendra Modi Govt said that the party lost relevance in Indian politics and that it was resorting to violence, vandalism & unlawful means out of frustration.
Speaking at a media interaction in Kozhikode on the agriculture reforms today, he said that Rahul Gandhi’s opposition to farm bills showcased his disconnect with farmers from his constituency Wayanad.
“Rahul Gandhi is disconnected from reality. He should speak to farmers from Wayanad & other areas. He cheated the farmers by vehemently opposing to reforms that free farmers from the ‘loot’ of middlemen,” he added.
Muraleedharan, who is also the MoS for Parliamentary Affairs deplored the behaviour of CPI MPs in Rajya Sabha said it was a deliberate attempt to mislead farmers. He wondered why the left was opposed to the idea of a successful agriculture marketing model that was already prevalent in Kerala & many other parts.
“These laws have no impact in Kerala where there is no APMC. Their actions inside Parliament & outside were nothing but a ‘scripted drama’ to garner brownie political points & some airtime’ he added.
Stating that Narendra Modi Govt would always walk an extra mile to protect the interests of the farmers, the Minister said that reforms such as Farm Bills, and labour codes reiterate Govt’s commitment to empowering farmers & entrepreneurs.
“These reforms will bring honour & dignity to farmers by letting them earn the money that is worthy of their effort & commitment,” he said.
The Minister further said that reforms would inspire the younger generation, who have been moving away from it and give wings to the aspirations of young farmers.
Agri Laws shift the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor thereby securing an assured return for the farmer. They also enable the farmer to have the freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce & carryout inter-state or intra-state trade without restrictions, he added.
He said that the Congress party that ruled the country for over six decades lacked the conviction, political will & commitment to change the lives of farmers.
“Narendra Modi Ji accomplished what the earlier PMs could not & brought revolutionary changes in Farming & labour sectors. These moves will create an enabling environment for agriculture & entrepreneurship to thrive,” he said.
Stating that the Congress Govt under PM Manmohan Singh at Centre, Chief Ministers of Haryana, Punjab & Madhya Pradesh in the past have supported repealing of APMC act the Minister said that the Congress has shown its back to farmers by changing its stance.
"It was in their election manifesto...... They could not digest the fact that the Govt empowered the farmer & labour. But the Indian farmer is very wise, he will not fall for the ‘gimmicks’ of these parties, he said.
Reiterating his govt’s commitment to empower farmers, increase their incomes, the Minister said with the passage of farm bills, the farmer is relieved of the limitations of ‘a particular’ Mandi and he can now sell his produce for a price his choice.
‘Since the existing mechanism of MSP & APMCs will continue, the farmer is at advantage position,’ he added. On Contract farming, the Minister said that it encourages private investment into agriculture, brings in advanced technology & modern equipment, and provides unlimited access to national and international markets and the farm sector could become remunerative.